It’s no secret dogs are man’s best friend, loyal to the end, but what about cats? Can we expect the same attention and affection from them as we do from their canine counterparts?
While some folks may dismiss cats as lazy, indifferent, and perhaps even a bit cold, the reality is this: they can and do bond with their owners and assume a bit of a protective nature about their relationships with their humans.
Granted, it may not be as obvious as it is in dogs – that tongue-wagging, tail-wagging, “I love you so much it hurts my face” kind of love dogs have – but cats are attached to their owners, just in different ways.
Actually, some pet experts may argue cats bond more than dogs. Because of their finely tuned senses, they are highly perceptive, beyond what we might not even realize. According to Dr. Katherine Miller, ASPCA director of Anti-Cruelty Behavior Research, “When human emotions change, maybe our odor changes a bit, our body movements are different. They (cats) would definitely notice a difference.”
But can you train your cat to protect?
While it may seem a bit of stretch, it is possible. Cats can be trained to do a variety of things, like shake with their paws and even give high fives. (Move over, Snoopy! You have some competition!)
Nevertheless, I doubt a guard cat will make us shake in our shoes like a guard dog would, but underneath that deceptive exterior lies a fiercer opponent than dogs. Consider this: at the end of each paw are a set of sharp claws (like knives!). Ouch! Those can do some considerable damage.
Plus, cats have what dogs lack: stealth.
This is code for the sneak attack. As such, that is their one significant advantage over dogs when it comes to protective behaviors.
Have you noticed any protective behaviors in your cat? We’d love to hear about them.
Source: nypost.com
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
